What are the major differences between the Chinese and Russian SKS?
The basic rifles are the same. Differences tend to be more by armory and when the weapon was produced. There was at least one batch of Russian SKS carbines with press fit safeties (no spring). These quickly became useless. I have heard rumors of Chinese guns slam-firing (acting like automatic weapons) but have yet to see any proof of this. I suspect it’s a rumor started by people who don’t like “commie guns”. There are a few minor differences. Chinese paratrooper rifles have the sling swivels on the side of the rifle instead of the bottom (this is the type I bought). Another common Chinese feature is a bayonet which folds under the rifle. • I’ve heard they are illegal. Between Presidents Bush (Sr.) and Clinton, they became more scarce, and many combinations of modifications could make them illegal. They were classified as “assault rifles”, which they are not! Assault rifles are selective fire – they can be set to fire in either semi-automatic mode or full-automatic mode. No rifle avail
